Influence of Different Methods of Respiratory Muscle Training on Athletic Performance and Pulmonary Function in Short-track Speedskaters

This research aims to explore the impact of two distinct methods of respiratory muscle training, voluntary isocapnic hyperpnoea (VIH) and inspiratory pressure threshold loading (IPTL), on athletic performance and pulmonary function in short-track speedkaters. The study will employ a parallel group-randomized trial design and will span a period of six weeks, during which participants will undergo regular, partially supervised training sessions.

The primary objective of the research is to assess the changes in athletic performance resulting from respiratory muscle training using VIH and IPTL techniques. Athletic performance will be measured through a range of standardized performance tests relevant to the participants' specific sporting activities (Wingate Test, CPET, on-ice time-trial performance). Pulmonary function will be measured by spirometry examination.

The group will consist of healthy, highly-trained professional short-track speedskaters.

Study Overview

• Status: Enrolling by invitation
• Conditions: Respiratory Muscle Training
• Intervention / Treatment: Behavioral: Respiratory Muscle Training - VIH; Behavioral: Respiratory Muscle Training - ITPL

Detailed Description

This study aims to investigate the effects of two different respiratory muscle training methods, namely voluntary isocapnic hyperpnoea (VIH) and inspiratory pressure threshold loading (IPTL), on athletic performance and pulmonary function. The research will adopt a parallel group-randomized trial design, spanning a six-week period of regular, partially supervised training sessions.

The primary objective is to evaluate changes in athletic performance resulting from respiratory muscle training using VIH and IPTL techniques. Standardized performance tests relevant to the participants' specific sports will be utilized (Wingate Test, CPET, on-ice time-trial performance).

In addition, the impact of respiratory muscle training on pulmonary function will be assessed, focusing on parameters such as forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow (PEF). These measurements will provide insights into the potential enhancements of respiratory muscle strength and function through VIH and IPTL.

Participants will be randomly assigned to either the VIH or IPTL training group. Regular training sessions will be conducted under partial supervision to ensure proper technique and adherence. Close monitoring will be implemented to track progress and identify any potential adverse effects.

The findings of this research will hold implications for athletes and individuals seeking to optimize their athletic performance and respiratory muscle function. By comparing the effects of VIH and IPTL, the study aims to identify the most effective respiratory muscle training method.

Ultimately, this research will contribute to the existing knowledge on respiratory muscle training and its potential benefits for athletes and individuals engaged in physical activities. The results obtained will provide evidence-based guidance for the development of targeted training protocols that can enhance athletic performance and respiratory health.

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Estimated): 16
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• Poland
  • Warsaw, Poland, 01-982
    • Institute of Sport - National Research Institute

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• valid medical certificate to compete sports professionally,
• lack of ongoing medication intake,
• lack of any medical condition,
• lack of previous experience with RMT,
• performance caliber corresponding to at Elite/World Class (Participant Classification Framework, McKay 2022).

Exclusion Criteria:

• any ongoing medication intake or medical condition.

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Other
• Allocation: Randomized
• Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
• Masking: None (Open Label)

Number of Arms

2

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Active Comparator: Voluntary Isocapnic Hyperpnoea (VIH); Group performing respiratory muscle training with Voluntary Isocapnic Hyperpnoea (VIH) method.	Behavioral: Respiratory Muscle Training - VIH; The VIH group will train every second day with gradual progression based on session length and breathing frequency. Participants will begin with 3 minutes of exercise with a frequency of 20 breaths·min-1 during the first session and add no more than 1 minute or 2 breaths·min-1 with each consecutive session.
Active Comparator: Inspiratory Pressure Threshold Loading (IPTL); Group performing respiratory muscle training with Inspiratory Pressure Threshold Loading (IPTL) method.	Behavioral: Respiratory Muscle Training - ITPL; The IPTL group will train 5 days a week, twice a day, with at least 6 hours break between sessions. The session will consist of 30 dynamic inspiratory maneuvers with progressive overload based on gradually increased resistance. The VIH group will train every second day with gradual progression based on session length and breathing frequency. Participants will begin with 3 minutes of exercise with a frequency of 20 breaths·min-1 during the first session and add no more than 1 minute or 2 breaths·min-1 with each consecutive session.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Changes in Maximum Power in Wingate Test	Difference between maximum power achieved in Wingate Test in Week 1 and maximum power achieved in Wingate Test in Week 6 of the intervention. Unit: watts per kg	before and after the intervention (6-weeks)
Changes in Total Work in Wingate Test	Difference between total work performed in Wingate Test in Week 1 and total work performed in Wingate Test in Week 6 of the intervention. Unit: kilojouls	before and after the intervention (6-weeks)
Changes in VO2max measured with cycloergometer cardiopulmonary exercise testing	Difference between VO2 measured in Week 1 and VO2 measured in Week 6 of the intervention. Unit: mL/min/kg.	before and after the intervention (6-weeks)
Changes in forced volume vital capacity (FVC) measured with spirometry test	Difference between FVC measured in Week 1 and FVC measured in Week 6 of the intervention. Unit: litres.	before and after the intervention (6-weeks)
Changes in on-ice performance measured with time trial effort	Changes in time achieved during on-ice time trial performance in Week 1 and time achieved during on-ice time trial performance in Week 6 of the intervention. Unit: time in seconds	before and after the intervention (6-weeks)

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Institute of Sport - National Research Institute, Poland

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): June 15, 2023
• Primary Completion (Estimated): July 30, 2023
• Study Completion (Estimated): July 30, 2023

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: June 22, 2023
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: June 29, 2023
• First Posted (Actual): July 10, 2023

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): July 10, 2023
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: June 29, 2023
• Last Verified: June 1, 2023

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Other Study ID Numbers: TK01/2023

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: NO

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No